Chapter Text
‘Salutations, Alternian Empire!
It’s a glorious night under our equally glorious Empress, and I am here to deliver your fourth time quarter headlines.
Our main story tonight, dear viewers, is a cause for celebration! As you are all aware, tonight marks the first sweep anniversary of the destruction of the largest rebellion we’ve had since the Off-Planet Demand. The rebellion was led by disgraced legislacerator Tyzias Entykk, who- after nearly a full sweep of plotting, conspiring and terrorising our Empire- was caught and executed by a team of her fellow tealbloods. Many of you may remember Entykk’s execution as one of the most attended events in Empire history- and not just because it was mandatory viewing. The overseer of the execution, Tagora Gorjek, made a statement on the matter:
“The execution of Tyzias Entykk is not only important from a legal standpoint, but from a societal, moral one as well. This is simply the consequence of refusing to learn from the history she illegally studied for sweeps, under the nose of her superiors. I- and many of my peers, I should imagine- want this to be an example to anyone plotting a similar feat. If a midblood can be caught and prosecuted, then anyone can.”
Since then, Empire procedure on rebellion and rebellious ideology has been refined with the help of Entykk’s own captor, Stelsa Sezyat. But while the legal side is certainly important, it should not overshadow this joyous occasion. Over the next perigee, a variety of events and demonstrations will take place across all of the Empire’s colonies, all celebrating the strength of our Empire, the determination of its citizens, and the prowess of our Empress. Let this be a reminder, loyal viewers of the Empire:
The Empire is strong.
The Empire is perfect.
And the Empire can never be toppled-‘
Xefros flinched at the sound of the watchhusk shutting off. While the rustblood hadn’t actually been listening to the broadcast, it had been running for so long that it had devolved into white noise by the one hour mark. At least, he thought it had been over an hour. It was difficult for the lowblood to keep track of time when most of his work involved standing in one place awaiting orders. He blinked quickly, bringing himself back to reality, and looked around the room. It took his eyes an extra moment to adjust to the obnoxiously blue hue of his workplace. Judging by the clock, it had indeed been over an hour; over three, in fact. Xefros muttered a quiet ‘damn’ under his breath and straightened his back, causing it to crack and pop. Luckily for the lowblood, his arms had held up fine while he zoned out, remaining clasped behind him with only the tiniest bit of pins and needles. Eventually, his gaze fell to his employer: a tall indigoblood, who was standing by a large desk towards the back of the room, watchhusk remote in hand.
“That’s enough of that” the highblood announced. “I love a good celebration as much as the next troll, but dragging it out for a perigee is a bit much if you ask me.”
The indigo sat and snapped his fingers. “Tritoh, more water.”
“Y-yes, sir, of course.”
Without a second thought, Xefros paced over to the desk. In his right hand sat a wide, metal tray carrying a large, decorative jug full of water and several equally elaborate glasses, while his left hand moved to his side, ready to serve. Despite the sheer number of times he had performed this exact task, the twinkle of wobbling glass on metal still made him anxious. Delicately, he laid a glass onto the highblood’s desk and poured his water, stopping when his employer raised his hand. With a respectful nod, the burgundy pivoted to return to his post by the door, but was halted by the indigo.
“I’m curious, Tritoh,” he began, “what is your opinion on all this?”
“Me, sir?” Xefros laughed nervously. “I’m just some random, insignificant rustblood butler, sir, I-“
“Yes, yes, I know, but that's why I want to hear your thoughts” the highblood continued. “I mean, can you believe that a midblood would try their hand against the Empire? Preposterous, is it not?”
The lowblood watched as his employer took a long drink, using the time to formulate a perfectly innocuous and conformant answer, but before he could even open his mouth, he was interrupted.
“Lowblood rebellion is one thing, but a teal? Ridiculous. I mean, you remember the situation at Jeevik Week, I assume?”
Xefros chewed at the inside of his cheek, trying his best not to let his face drop at the mere mention of the event. “Indeed, sir. It was uh, quite the spectacle-”
“Spectacle indeed. Goodness, what a commotion- and to say a violet had a part in all that. I certainly wouldn’t have wanted to be there, would you?”
The rustblood paused for a moment, blood beginning to seep from his cheek into his mouth and down his throat. Funnily enough he had been in a similar situation at Jeevik Week, except the blood was coming from his nose and instead of being stood in front of a highblood, he was towering over one. He looked down to his feet for a second, half expecting to see a blue-splattered sneaker, but instead found his usual pristine work shoes. He shook his head, dislodging his thoughts and returning his attention to his boss.
“No, sir. I wouldn’t.”
The indigo scoffed. “I mean, all that chaos in such a large crowd- a mostly lowblood crowd, mind you. Ugh, it makes me queasy just thinking about it. Can you imagine?”
“Not unless authorised, sir” Xefros replied sardonically.
The indigo chuckled, swirling his water, his eyes far more occupied by how the liquid moved than the troll he was meant to be talking to. “Ah, well, if neither a midblood, nor seadweller can get away with that rebel nonsense, that must say something good about the security of our Empire, eh?”
The rustblood inhaled sharply through his nose, forcing a nod. If his shoulders weren’t stiff from hours of standing still, they were bound to be from the effort it was taking for him to remain composed. He gestured to the water jug with his chin.
“Will that be all, sir?” He asked through gritted teeth.
The indigo snapped to attention, putting his glass down. “Hm? Ah, yes. You may leave now too; your shift is finished.”
Xefros nodded again and took the tray back into his hands, taking no time to turn his back on the highblood and walk away. Just as he reached the door however, his employer spoke up one last time.
“At least you won’t need to worry about walking home tonight, eh Tritoh? We’re well protected in this Empire!”